DALLAS — After a terrific start to the fall season at the Rice Invite, the North Texas tennis team is right back into the swing of things this weekend. 

The Mean Green will compete in the SMU Red and Blue Challenge Friday through Sunday. 

Last week, UNT battled through unfavorable conditions to have three women reach flight championship rounds — tied for the most of any team in the Invite.

"This tournament was a late addition to our schedule but we certainly feel it was a great choice," said Mean Green Tennis Health Program Coordinator Rodrigo De Almeida. "Our players will face excellent competition once again. We will be able to make the necessary adjustments based on last weekend's performance as well as continue to build on our strengths."

Six women on the Mean Green will head to Dallas to compete in the Red and Blue Challenge. They will face off against opponents from SMU, ACU, Central Arkansas, Northwestern State and UT Arlington. 

The Mean Green feature five newcomers to its roster this season. Two of the three women that reached a Rice Invite flight title were one of the newcomers. 

The SMU Red and Blue Challenge will continue to give those newcomers a chance to grow and shine in preparation for the spring season that will pin the Mean Green against many of the teams that they are facing this weekend. 

Of the returners, Nidhi Surapaneni advanced to her second consecutive Rice Invite flight final last week. The junior ended last season as one of the most improved players on the team and is poised to be one of the top players in the league. 

Another successful showing this weekend will only further what is a growing expectation and excitement about the Mean Green. 

North Texas begins the Red and Blue challenge at 10 a.m. on Friday.

There are no live stats or live stream for the event but the SMU tennis complex is located at  5669 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75205.